Quirimbas Archipelago

Immersed in the Indian Ocean off north eastern Mozambique is a largely unexplored tropical paradise. The Quirimbas Archipelago, is undoubtedly Mozambique's best-kept secret - a 250km long string of tropical islands that are both a marine wonderland and historical melting pot. Environmentally pristine and surrounded by dazzling coral reefs and a wealth of untouched marine life the archipelago's 32 islands are the most spectacular jewels in Mozambique's marine crown. The 1500 square kilometre Quirimbas National Park is the first in the world to be established at the request of an area's inhabitants. The National Park was declared in June 2002 and provides sanctuary for sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins and whales, as well as tropical fish and game fish such as Kingfish, Barracuda, Dorado, Queenfish, Sierra, Wahoo, Dog-tooth Tuna and Sailfish...

Culturally, the Quirimbas are important too. A melting pot of Arabian, European and African influences, as well as a one-time center of East Africa's slave trade, they have a dark but important history to reveal. World Heritage Site status for Ibo Island, one of the first outposts of the colonization of Mozambique itself, would be obvious recognition for this natural and cultural wonderland which currently sees only a handful of visitors at a time.

Only a small handful of islands are inhabited and accommodation is limited to luxurious lodges, romantic beach bungalows and for those who want the ultimate experience, a moored yacht in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Fishing charters are offered to legendary St Lazarus Banks which lies 90 nautical miles to the east. This towering sea mountain, rising from 2.4 km deep to within 6 metres of the ocean surface, brings together a fascinating combination of marine life and is considered one of the world's most exciting game fishing destinations. The protected waters around the island also offer some of the finest diving in the world, with untouched coral reefs and a bewildering amount of marine life.

Pleasure seekers, romantics, diving and fishing fanatics wanting to access the little known islands that make up the Quirimbas Archipelago do so by air via Pemba, the capital of the province of Cabo Delgado, or from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.